Tuesday, July 27, 2010

The fans came out in droves for the 44th anniversary of TNMX at P.I.R. last Thursday, and they were not disappointed. 70 pros came out to qualify for the nights main show, which had a $15,000 purse to offer to the field, with the winner walking away 2,500 big ones richer. That kinda cash can get you to the next few nationals, or fund one killer post win party. Whichever way you choose to spend your dolla bills, they would have been hard earned Thursday, as the competition was no joke. Jeff Alessi made his return to racing, '08's winner Tiger Lacey is always fast on Thursday's, '09's winner Daniel Blair is no one to forget about, and one time Pro Circuit driver Bobby Bonds was in house as well. NW pros like Tevin Tapia, Mike Horban, and Nate Whitlow always ride hard, and there were some new faces behind the helmets this year, like the very exciting Jimmy Decotis.

One of the highlights of the night was watching Austin Ulrich back up his prediction, and holeshot the first pro heat, only to have the race red flagged after a gnar crash in the back of the pack. But in dramatic fashion, Ulrich pulled out his slick bag of tricks, and nailed a second holeshot on the restart. I'd say that falls under the definition of "badass," right there.

The field was so stacked that it took three heats, and two LCQ's to set the roster for the main event, which was set to drop gate at 9:30, but didn't get under way until almost 9:50. Jeff Ansett led the majority of the race, before finally cracking to the pressure that Bonds was applying each corner of each lap. Behind them, the race for third blazed on, as Jeff Alessi battled with Daniel Blair, and NW hero Nate Whitlow in close tow. The final checkers waved around 10:15pm pacific time, with Bobby Bonds taking home the coveted Red Bull broom, followed by Alessi and Blair.

But the pro racing was only part of the evening, as hundreds of local amateur racers lined up on the same gates throughout the night as well. 50's, and mighty 450's, beginners and the fastest intermediates, all had some serious racing to contend to. The P.I.R. track is always well crafted and tended too, and tonight was no different. Truckloads of sand were brought in to provide a near dreamy racing surface, and the layout, with split sections for amateurs and pros, made for epic racing no matter what class you were apart of, or watching. With so many fans and riders, the sponsors showed up in full force as well, with a full FLY racing vendor, Red Bull mini coupe, complete with Red Bull ladies, and the always inspiring Hooters babes to come and dish out free wings. It felt like being a part of an AMA SuperCross race, with all the fans, pros, pristine track, and sponsors.

It truly was an epic Thursday night for motocross, and here's to 44 years of great racing under the lights. I'm sure I speak for everyone when I say I can't wait to see what 45 years has in store for us next summer. Hope you all had a blast rubbin' plastic with your buddies, watching some great racing, and enjoying some of the best facilities the northwest has to offer with friends and family.